This evaluation is part of a series of OEV strategic evaluations on WFP’s emergency preparedness and response. It assessed the contribution of the Preparedness and Response Enhancement Programme 2011-2014 (PREP) to improving WFP’s capability to respond effectively and efficiently to large-scale, corporate level emergencies. The evaluation assessed PREP’s relevance, appropriateness, effectiveness, sustained contribution, supporting and constraining factors.

The evaluation found that PREP was a relevant initiative and as a result of investment in PREP, important achievements were realized in all priority outcome areas. PREP’s success was limited by its wide scope, high ambition, implementation approach, limited ownership and funding shortfalls. PREP was also challenged by the unprecedented number of long duration and complex Level 3 emergencies on-going during its implementation period. Several important aspects of emergency response beyond immediate response were not adequately addressed, and WFP continues to face critical gaps in EPR capacity, with several PREP activities not having been completed, and others needing refinement before roll-out.”

The evaluation made four main recommendations: i) reinforce EPR strengthening as a corporate priority; ii) focus on staff capacity, relationships with cooperating partners, and cash and vouchers programming as priorities; iii) clarify and enable the Emergency Preparedness and Support Response Division’s role in supporting corporate EPR strengthening; iv) refine and complete several major PREP activities.“